Africa News: 2025’s Top Stories from Minerals to Immigration

Africa in 2025 is marked by rising global demand for critical minerals, economic growth challenges, and shifting US-Africa relations. Immigration tops the US agenda, while South Africa’s Government of National Unity faces ideological rifts. Climate and trade disruptors impact economic progress, and diplomatic tensions rise.

Africa in 2025 is a complex tapestry of economic, political, and social dynamics. The continent is poised for faster growth and lower inflation, thanks to improved prospects in major economies like South Africa and Angola, according to the World Bank. However, economic growth in many African countries lags behind per capita GDP and incomes compared to industrial economies and other developing regions.
One of the key issues President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo faces is harnessing the spiraling global demand for critical minerals. This presents both opportunities and challenges, as inflation is falling but capital is scarce, and climate and trade disruptors hold back progress1.
In the United States, immigration is set to dominate US-Africa relations in 2025. With President Donald Trump back in office, African leaders are watching closely as the new administration issues executive actions restricting US immigration. This shift in policy focus likely means that US-Africa relations will be guided by immigration issues rather than trade and investment in the immediate months2.
South Africa’s Government of National Unity, formed after the 2024 elections, is navigating ideological fault lines. Despite investment optimism and a strong currency, real rifts are emerging in foreign policy. The coalition must mediate these differences to maintain consistency in its policy of non-alignment5.

1. What are the key economic challenges facing Africa in 2025?
   Africa faces challenges in harnessing global demand for critical minerals, managing inflation, and dealing with scarce capital and climate/trade disruptors1.
2. How is the US-Africa relationship expected to change in 2025?
   The US-Africa relationship is expected to be heavily influenced by immigration policies under the Trump administration2.

3. What is the current state of South Africa’s Government of National Unity?
   The GNU is a fragile coalition with emerging ideological rifts in foreign policy, despite investment optimism and a strong currency5.

4. How is climate change impacting Africa’s economy?
   Climate change is a significant disruptor to Africa’s economic progress, affecting trade and growth1.

5. What is the significance of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in US-Africa relations?
   AGOA is a crucial trade agreement that is set to expire, which could impact US-Africa trade relations significantly2.

Africa in 2025 is a dynamic and complex landscape, marked by both opportunities and challenges. The continent’s economic growth is hindered by various factors, while the US-Africa relationship is shifting towards immigration policies. South Africa’s Government of National Unity faces significant ideological rifts, and climate change remains a major disruptor to economic progress.